Home
Oral surgery
Sinus Lifts

Sinus Lifts

in Arvada, CO
Safe, comfortable wisdom tooth removal with sedation options at Arvada Dental Center. Relief from pain and prevention of future complications.
Request Appointment
Making Implants Possible in the Upper Jaw.

Creating the Space for a Lasting Smile.

When upper back teeth have been missing for a while, the sinus cavity can expand downward into the space left behind, leaving too little bone for implants to anchor safely. At Arvada Dental Center, a sinus lift gently elevates the sinus membrane and adds bone grafting material beneath it, rebuilding the height your upper jaw needs to support a permanent implant restoration.

Table of Contents

1.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
2.
Why a Sinus Lift Is Needed
3.
What to Expect: The Sinus Lift Process
4.
Recovery and Aftercare
5.
Financing & insurance
6.
Why Choose Arvada Dental
7.
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift, also called a sinus augmentation, is a bone grafting procedure performed in the upper jaw. The maxillary sinuses sit just above the upper back teeth. When those teeth are lost, the sinus floor can drop downward and the surrounding bone shrinks, leaving insufficient height for implant placement.
During the procedure, the sinus membrane is gently lifted upward and bone grafting material is packed into the space beneath it. Over the following months, the body integrates the graft and new bone grows in its place. Once healed, the upper jaw has the bone height and density needed to place implants with confidence.

Why a Sinus Lift May Be Necessary

Not every patient who needs upper jaw implants will require a sinus lift, but several common situations make it necessary.

  • The Sinus Floor Is Too Low: In some patients, the sinus cavity naturally sits close to the upper jaw, leaving limited bone below even with healthy teeth present.

  • Teeth Have Been Missing for a Long Time: The longer upper back teeth have been absent, the more bone resorption occurs and the lower the sinus floor tends to drop.

  • Bone Loss From Gum Disease: Periodontal disease destroys the bone supporting the upper teeth, often leaving the sinus cavity with little separation from the ridge.

  • Natural Anatomy: Some patients simply have larger sinus cavities or thinner bone in the upper jaw due to their individual anatomy, making a sinus lift necessary regardless of tooth loss history.

  • Previous Denture Wear: Long-term denture use accelerates bone resorption in the upper jaw, compounding the issue and often making sinus augmentation a prerequisite for implants.

If a 3D scan shows your upper jaw lacks the bone height for implants, a sinus lift is the most reliable way to rebuild it and get your implant treatment back on track.

What to Expect: The Sinus Lift Process

1

Consultation and 3D Imaging

We begin with a thorough evaluation and cone beam 3D CT scan of your upper jaw and sinus anatomy. This imaging tells us exactly how much bone is available, where the sinus floor sits, and how much grafting material is needed. Your treatment plan is built entirely around this data.
2

 Surgical Procedure

The sinus lift is performed under local anesthesia with sedation available for patient comfort. A small opening is made in the gum tissue and bone wall to access the sinus membrane. The membrane is gently elevated and grafting material is carefully packed into the space created beneath it.
3

Healing and Bone Maturation

New bone grows slowly into the grafted area over the following months. Most sinus lifts require six to nine months of healing before the bone is dense enough to support implant placement. We monitor progress with follow-up imaging throughout this period.
4

Implant Placement

Once the grafted bone has fully matured, implants are placed into the newly rebuilt upper jaw. From this point, the treatment follows the standard implant timeline toward your final restoration, whether that is a crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthetic.

Recovery and Aftercare

Swelling around the cheek, eye, and side of the face is common after a sinus lift and typically peaks within the first two to three days before gradually resolving. Mild bleeding from the nose is also normal in the first day or two. Prescribed antibiotics and pain medication manage discomfort effectively for most patients.

Avoid blowing your nose, sneezing forcefully, or using straws during the early healing period as pressure changes can displace the graft. A soft diet is recommended for the first two weeks. Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions and schedules follow-up visits to monitor your healing at each stage.

Flexible Financing for Sinus Lift Treatment

A sinus lift is an important part of making implants possible in the upper jaw, and we work to make the full cost of your treatment manageable. We accept CareCredit, Cherry Payment Plans, Sunbit Finance, PatientFi, Proceed Finance, and LendingClub, as well as cash, check, and credit cards.

Apply for Financing

Why Choose Arvada Dental Center for a Sinus Lift?

Dr. Gregory Bennett performs sinus lift procedures in-house as part of a complete implant treatment plan. Keeping the surgical and restorative phases under one roof means better coordination, a more consistent experience, and one team accountable for your result from the first consultation to the final restoration.

We use cone beam 3D CT imaging to plan every sinus lift with precision before the first incision is made. This allows us to visualize the exact thickness of the sinus membrane, the position of the sinus floor, and the amount of bone available, protecting the sinus and surrounding anatomy throughout the procedure.
Sinus Lifts

FAQs

Have questions about sinus lift treatment in Arvada, Colorado? Here are answers to our most common patient questions.
contact us
How much does a sinus lift cost in Arvada, Colorado?

  • A sinus lift at Arvada Dental Center typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per side depending on the amount of grafting material needed and the complexity of your case. We provide a full itemized cost breakdown at your consultation. Financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry, Sunbit, PatientFi, and others.

How long does it take to heal from a sinus lift?

  • Most patients require six to nine months of healing before the grafted bone is dense enough to support implant placement. The procedure itself is completed in a single appointment. Follow-up imaging confirms when healing is complete and you are ready for the next step.

Is a sinus lift painful?

  • The procedure is performed under local anesthesia so there is no pain during surgery. Swelling, pressure, and mild soreness in the cheek area are common for the first week and are managed well with prescribed medication. Most patients are surprised by how tolerable the recovery is.

Can I avoid a sinus lift with a different type of implant?

  • In some cases, yes. Zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbone rather than the upper jaw and can be an option for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss who want to avoid grafting entirely. Short implants placed in the remaining bone are another option in select cases. Our team will review every alternative with you at your consultation to find the best fit.

Is a sinus lift the same as a bone graft?

  • A sinus lift is a specific type of bone graft performed in the upper jaw beneath the sinus cavity. All sinus lifts involve bone grafting, but not all bone grafts are sinus lifts. Other grafting procedures such as socket preservation and ridge augmentation address different areas and conditions.

Can I have a sinus lift if I have sinus problems in Arvada, Colorado?

  • Patients with active sinus infections or chronic sinusitis need those conditions resolved before a sinus lift can be safely performed. We coordinate with your physician if needed and wait until your sinus health is stable before scheduling the procedure. Seasonal allergies alone are generally not a contraindication.

Does insurance cover a sinus lift in Arvada, Colorado?

  • Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for sinus lifts when they are performed as a necessary step toward implant placement. Coverage varies by plan. Our team reviews your policy before treatment and helps you understand exactly what is and is not covered before committing to the procedure.

Get In Touch

Request A Consultation